According to a report from Empire Online, Mathieu Amalric is now confirmed as the villain in Bond 22.

While he wouldn’t reveal a whole lot on his character, Amalric did reveal a few details, stating: ‘I will, it’s true. I play the villain, yes. James Bond. It has to do with childhood, you know? To be a villain in James Bond is just so funny. I never dreamt about that. It’s not what I want to do with my career. It’s just that I have kids and it’s so funny to do that. But it doesn’t mean that I’m not going to do a very small French film for free with my friends.’

Amalric’s name was first brought to the attention of James Bond fans in mid-November when a Fox News’ FOX411 column claimed the French actor had landed the role in next year’s 007 film. That report stated that despite no confirmation from Amalric at the time, ‘that was the word’ at a lunch that week for Le Scaphandre Et Le Papillon (The Diving Bell And The Butterfly), in which the actor stars.

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Bond 22 (title TBA) is the 22nd James Bond 007 film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. Daniel Craig will be returning from Casino Royale to play James Bond. Bond 22 will be directed by Marc Forster with the script written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Paul Haggis. The film is scheduled for release on 7 November 2008.